LJM's Compassion in Action: Bringing Hope to Nepal's Remote Villages

Driven by a spirit of compassion, the Ling Jiou Mountain (LJM) Buddhist Society recently launched a cross-border humanitarian mission, collaborating with medical institutions from Taiwan to bring health and hope to over 2,000 residents in Nepal's remote communities. The initiative, an embodiment of the Buddhist principle of altruism and the humanitarian value of "love without borders," provided vital medical care, hygiene education, and digital literacy training.

The campaign began with a compassionate vow from LJM's Founding Abbot, Grand Master Hsin Tao, to extend care beyond borders. Recognizing the urgent need for basic healthcare, LJM's Milarepa Meditation Center initiated an international medical outreach program. This year's mission, spearheaded by Venerable Guang Chuen and coordinated by Public Relations Director Chen Hui-Hsin, brought together a formidable team of nearly 60 professionals from Taiwan's top medical universities and hospitals. They were joined by local Nepali volunteers to provide free clinics and health education in remote mountain areas. ASUS also provided crucial support by donating medical and IT equipment, along with funding to advance digital education for local children.

The journey was fraught with challenges. The team traveled over 600 kilometers during the monsoon season, facing treacherous roads and navigating cultural and language barriers. Yet, their commitment was unshakeable. A particularly moving moment occurred when volunteers learned of the urgent needs at a deaf children’s hostel in Gorkha. They resolutely undertook the long journey to provide aid, marking the first time their services had reached this community. The children’s gratitude, expressed through sign language and tear-filled eyes, left an indelible impression on the volunteers' hearts.

The success of the mission was a testament to the seamless collaboration between religion, medicine, and business. According to Chen, the mission's smooth execution was a direct result of the LJM Milarepa Meditation Center's long-term presence in the region, which has fostered strong relationships with local authorities, hospitals, and NGOs. This foundation allowed the Taiwanese volunteers to effectively collaborate with local resources and ensure their services were both relevant and impactful. This mission was not a one-time effort but the culmination of years of dedicated work, a testament to LJM's unwavering commitment to letting compassion take root and blossom.